Information and Attention: A Comprehensive Psychology Assignment

This psychology assignment delves into the concepts of information and attention, examining the impacts of multitasking, cognitive load, and technology on learning and behavior. The student's work summarizes assigned readings, focusing on the challenges of multitasking and the role of technology, particularly smartphones, in causing distractions. Key terms such as technology and affordances are defined, and the assignment includes a personal reflection on a multitasking challenge. The student also analyzes a case study on texting in the classroom, highlighting the prevalence of distractions in both traditional and online learning environments. The student's analysis emphasizes the cognitive limitations associated with multitasking and the influence of technology on attention, drawing upon the cognitive load theory and the concept of affordances to explain how the brain processes information and makes decisions. The assignment showcases an understanding of the course material and the ability to synthesize information from various sources, including readings and personal experiences.

Running head: INFORMATION AND ATTENTION 1
Information and Attention
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

INFORMATION AND ATTENTION 2
Information and Attention
Summary of Readings
The author presents tentative information about multitasking, the ability to deviate off-
task while still engaging with the main task. Evidence from the study shows that people tend to
suppress their negative thoughts through multitasking and this develops ground for depression
and social anxiety. The scholar suggests that the cognitive load theory is against multitasking as
the brain is designed such that there is a limit on the number of tasks that can be performed at
once. Some of the factors causing people to multitask are inclusive of distractions and
technologies such as smartphones, and televisions (Carrier, 2018). Therefore, despite the
availability of technologies helping to process information, the brain has to decode the
information and hence subject to the limits presented by the cognitive load theory.
Key Terms
The term technology is an essential term, and this is due to various factors. Technology
refers to the advancing abilities within the globe on information processing, delivery, and
creation. It encompasses how computers are a mirror to the human brain based on the abilities
they have towards solving real-world problems such as mathematical calculations and use of
artificial intelligence in solving dilemmas.
Multitasking Challenges
Taking the test was simple, and it felt comfortable at all times. However, having to
remember a set of characters and numbers while taking the test was challenging. The same
applies to schoolwork especially exams, where one tries to remember what they learned while
focusing on finishing the papers in time.

INFORMATION AND ATTENTION 3
Figure 1: Scores for the Multitasking challenge at http://multitasking.labinthewild.org/multitasking/
Affordances
Affordances are objects that a given object or subject provides to the user for them to
decide how to use it and suggest how they will interact. Affordances can be found in multiple
objects and especially in technological gadgets such a smartphone that offer menus that are
programmed to perform given actions when interacting with the mobile device. Affordances are
also viable for interpersonal communication that help ensure there are proper interactions. They
help the brain in making decisions regarding given interactive activities and thus leading to
proper communication with people and technological gadgets. Therefore, the brain relies on
these affordances for proper interaction.

INFORMATION AND ATTENTION 4
References
Carrier, M. (2018). From smartphones to social media: how technology affects our brains and
behavior. Santa Barbara, California: Greenwood, An Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.